Customer lobby adjustable work surface and method

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for conducting transactions with people of varying heights at a customer work lobby assembly of service stations. The method may include directing a person of short stature to a service station comprising a vertically adjustable work surface; vertically adjusting the vertically adjustable work surface from a vertical working position to a lower vertical working position to conduct transactions with the person of short stature; conducting the transactions with the person of short stature; and adjusting the adjustable work surface to the vertical working position upon completion of said transactions with the person of short stature. The service station having the vertically adjustable work surface is not physically attached to the service assembly and is positioned within the service assembly to appear uniform with a plurality of service stations having non-vertically adjustable work surfaces when the vertically adjustable work surface is at the vertical working position.

BACKGROUND

In a business establishment, such as a bank or hotel, two competing goals for interior design of the customer lobby become readily apparent. One design goal is to achieve an aesthetically pleasing interior design where all service stations having work surfaces for patrons of the establishment appear uniform in height, thereby providing symmetry among the service stations and achieving an overall harmonious and pleasing appearance. Another design goal is to provide a welcoming atmosphere to all patrons of the establishment and to comply with applicable requirements. For example, persons of short stature, such as those bound to wheelchairs or individuals having a height of 58 inches or less, often require a work surface positioned at a lower level than persons not of short stature.

In order to accommodate these patrons of short stature, banks and other business establishments have provided a permanent work surface at a level sufficient for individuals of short stature. However, in choosing this option, the establishment must sacrifice the aesthetically pleasing appearance of uniformity of height among the service stations. Further, this permanent lower surface is only used when a person of short stature is present at the establishment. As a result, the overall efficiency of the establishment is reduced, thereby decreasing patron service and satisfaction.

SUMMARY

The apparatus and method described herein provide the ability to maintain an aesthetically pleasing uniformity of work surface heights and achieve optimal usage of every service station while also having the ability to accommodate persons of short stature.

In one embodiment, an apparatus of a customer lobby service assembly is provided. The customer lobby service assembly comprises a plurality of service stations each including a work surface positioned at a vertical working position; at least one of the service stations including a vertically adjustable work surface subassembly, the vertically adjustable work surface subassembly including: a flat work surface that can be vertically raised and lowered between the vertical working position and a lower vertical working position; and an actuator operably associated with the flat work surface to vertically raise and lower the flat work surface between the vertical working position and the lower vertical working position.

In another embodiment, a method of conducting transactions with people of varying heights at a customer lobby assembly of service stations is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: (a) directing a person of short stature to a service station comprising a vertically adjustable work surface, wherein the service station appears uniform with service stations in the customer lobby assembly comprising non-vertically adjustable work surfaces when the vertically adjustable work surface is positioned at a vertical working position; (b) vertically adjusting the vertically adjustable work surface from the vertical working position to a lower vertical working position to conduct transactions with the person of short stature; (c) conducting the transactions with the person of short stature; and (d) adjusting the vertically adjustable work surface to the vertical working position upon completion of said transactions with the person of short stature.

The objects, features and advantages of the apparatus and methods will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the description of preferred embodiments which follows when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a front view of a customer lobby service assembly with a service station having a vertically adjustable work surface positioned at a vertical working position.

FIG. 1B is a front view of a customer lobby service assembly with a service station having a vertically adjustable work surface positioned at a lower vertical working position.

FIG. 2A is a back view of a customer lobby service assembly with a service station having a vertically adjustable work surface positioned at a vertical working position.

FIG. 2B is a back view of a customer lobby service assembly with a service station having a vertically adjustable work surface positioned at a lower vertical working position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vertically adjustable work surface subassembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A and 2A show customer lobby service assembly 100 comprising a plurality of service stations 102 a, 102 b, 102 c. Service stations 102 a, 102 b, 102 c each having work surfaces, 104 a, 104 b, 104 c wherein at least one work surface is vertically adjustable, for example, flat work surface 104 c.

Work surfaces 104 a, 104 b, 104 c provide flat horizontal surfaces for patrons of a business establishment, such as a bank or hotel, to conduct business transactions with establishment employees where the aesthetics of the customer lobby are important to doing business. Work surfaces 104 a, 104 b, 104 c can be made of stone, plastic, compressed wood, ceramic, glass, or any material that is capable of providing a flat smooth surface. Work surfaces 104 a, 104 b, 104 c are defined as the space between isolation walls 103. Isolation walls 103 also define service stations 102 a, 102 b, 102 c. For example, a person such as 90 a, 92 a, 90 b, 92 b approaching or positioned at service stations 102 a, 102 b, 102 c of customer lobby service assembly 100 will utilize the immediate work surface area between isolation walls 103. However, service stations 102 a, 102 b, 102 c need not be separated by isolation walls 103.

Vertically adjustable work surface subassembly 300 comprises a flat work surface 104 c, an actuator 108 operably associated with flat work surface 104 c to vertically raise and lower flat work surface 104 c between the vertical working position, as shown in FIG. 1A, and the lower vertical working position, as shown in FIG. 1B, Vertically adjustable work surface subassembly 300 further comprises a flat work surface support frame 304, a leg subassembly 319 including a receiving column 320, a retractable leg 321 housed within receiving column 320, and a base 322.

In a preferred embodiment, vertically adjustable work surface subassembly 300 includes two leg subassemblies 319 a, 319 b. However, subassembly 300 is not limited to two leg subassemblies; as subassembly 300 may also include a single leg subassembly or any multiple leg subassemblies.

Actuator 108 is composed of a drive mechanism 109, including a power unit and gear unit, and actuator rod 110. Actuator 108 can be any actuator known in the art, but is preferably a linear actuator, such as a mechanical actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an electro-mechanical actuator, or a telescoping linear actuator. Actuator 108 can be activated by any means known in the art, for example, a worm drive, crank, switches, or buttons. In a one embodiment, drive mechanism 109 of actuator 108 is activated by single direction push buttons 112 a, 112 b. For example 112 a is a button to increase the height of vertically adjustable work surface 104 c and naturally, 112 b is a button to decrease the height of vertically adjustable work surface 104 c. For example, push buttons 112 a, 112 b electrically engage drive mechanism 109 of actuator 108. The movement of actuator rod 110 drives retractable legs 321 a, 321 b, which are coupled to flat work surface support frame 304 to permit the vertical displacement of work surface 104 c.

Vertically adjustable work surface subassembly 300 can be slideably positioned in the space shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Thus, subassembly 300 and work surface 104 c are not physically attached to customer lobby service assembly 100.

Vertically adjustable work surface subassembly 300 can comprise any compilation of parts that permit actuator 108 to vertically displace work surface 104 c and is not limited to the preferred embodiment described here.

When work surface 104 c is positioned at a lower working position as depicted in FIG. 2B, overhangs 114 a, 114 b are exposed. Overhangs 114 a, 114 b are preferably composed of the same material as work surfaces 104 a, 104 b, and 104 c.

FIGS. 1A and 2A depict a front and back view of service station 102 c where vertically adjustable work surface 104 c is positioned at a vertical working position. In FIGS. 1B and 2B, adjustable work surface 104 c of service station 102 c is positioned at a lower vertical working position. When adjustable work surface 104 c is positioned at the vertical working position, service station 102 c appears uniform with non-vertically adjustable work surface service stations 102 a, 102 b.

In one embodiment, the vertical working position of vertically adjustable work surface 104 c is the same height as non-vertically adjustable work surfaces 104 a, 104 b, thereby achieving the appearance of uniformity as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 2A. The height of work surfaces 104 a, 104 b, 104 c is the distance between the work surfaces 104 a, 104 b, 104 c and the floor in front of service stations 102 a, 102 b, 102 c, such as where persons 90 a, 92 a, 90 b, 92 b stand as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

In another embodiment, the vertical working position of adjustable work surface 104 c is approximately 40 inches. The lower vertical working position can be defined as any position less than the vertical working position. FIGS. 1B and 2B depict adjustable work surface 104 e of service station 102 c positioned at the lower vertical working position. For example, in one embodiment, the lower vertical working position ranges from approximately 34 inches to a height no more than approximately 40 inches.

In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B, service station 102 c having adjustable work surface 104 c provides a work surface for persons of varying heights, for instance persons 92 a, 92 b. Person 92 b is a person of short stature, for example an individual confined to a wheelchair, or an individual with a height of about 58 inches or less.

In another embodiment, all service stations 102 a, 102 b, 102 c of customer lobby service assembly 100 have adjustable work surfaces.

It should be appreciated that a service station having an adjustable work surface need not be positioned on the end of the customer lobby service assembly 100, but may be positioned at any location within assembly 100.

The following paragraphs will discuss various methods of use of associated with the vertically adjustable work surface.

In one embodiment, a method for conducting transactions with people of varying heights, for example 90 a, 90 b, 92 a, 92 b, at a customer lobby service assembly 100 of service stations 102 a, 102 b, 102 c is disclosed. The method comprises directing a person of short stature, for example 92 b as shown in FIG. 1B, to a service station having a vertically adjustable work surface, such as service station 102 c. When positioned at a vertical working position, such as in FIG. 1A, service station 102 c appears uniform with service stations 102 a, 102 b having non-vertically adjustable work surfaces 104 a, 104 b. The method also includes vertically adjusting vertically adjustable work surface 104 c from the vertical working position to a lower vertical working position, as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, to conduct transactions with the person of short stature 92 b. As discussed previously, vertical adjustment is achieved by activation of actuator 108; this can be performed by person 94 b 2 pressing a button or switch. Additionally, the method comprises conducting the transactions with the person of short stature 92 b at service station 102 c having the adjustable work surface 104 c positioned at the lower vertical working position, as depicted in FIG. 1B. Lastly, upon completion of the transactions with the person of short stature 92 b, vertically adjusting the adjustable work surface 104 c to the vertical working position.

The step of directing a person of short stature 92 b comprises providing one or more visual cues identifying the service station having the adjustable work surface as capable of accommodating persons of short stature. For example, such visual cues, not depicted in the figures, include providing signs or posters containing words and/or images posted above, on, and/or near the service station having the adjustable work surface. Additionally, person 94 b 2 positioned on the back side of service station 102 c, as depicted in FIG. 1B, could provide non-verbal visual cues. Such non-verbal visual cues could include waving, head nods, holding up a sign or image, or any other means to direct a person of short stature to service station 102 c. These non-verbal visual cues provided by 94 b 2 could be used alone or in combination with other visual cues.

Conducting transactions can be any sort of business transaction or exchange between a patron and employee of an establishment. A patron is defined as someone who buys and/or uses the goods or services offered by an establishment, such as a business.

For example, in one embodiment, the apparatus and method could be utilized in a bank, where customer lobby service assembly 100 is a teller service assembly, thereby persons 90 a, 90 b, 92 a, 92 b are bank patrons, and persons 94 a 1, 94 a 2, 94 b 1, 94 b 2 are bank employees, such as tellers. Such bank transactions include, for example the deposit of money, withdrawal of money, exchange of currency, or other bank transactions between a bank employee and bank patron.

In another embodiment, the apparatus and method could be utilized in another establishment, such as a hotel, motel, hostel, or other facility providing room accommodations. Where customer lobby service assembly 100 is in a hotel lobby with a front desk assembly, persons 90 a, 90 b, 92 a, 92 b are patrons, and persons 94 a 1, 94 a 2, 94 b 1, 94 b 2 are employees of the establishment. In this embodiment, transactions include the making and/or cancelling of reservations, checking-in and/or checking-out of the facility, or other transactions typically conducted in such establishments.

It should be appreciated to one skilled in the art that the method and apparatus can be used for any application in a business establishment where aesthetics of the customer lobby are an important aspect of doing business, and where the business establishment having a plurality of customer service stations provides work surfaces where both the customer and establishment employee share and use the work surface to conduct business transactions.

Other embodiments of the current invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this specification or practice of the invention disclosed herein. Thus, the foregoing specification is considered merely exemplary of the current invention with the true scope thereof being defined by the following claims. 

1. A method for simultaneously conducting transactions with people of varying heights at a common customer work lobby assembly of service stations comprising: directing a person of short stature to a service station comprising a vertically adjustable work surface, wherein said service station appears uniform with service stations in the customer lobby assembly comprising non-vertically adjustable work surfaces when the vertically adjustable work surface is positioned at a first vertical working position; vertically adjusting the vertically adjustable work surface from the first vertical working position to a second vertical working position to conduct a transaction with the person of short stature; conducting the transaction with the person of short stature; conducting a transaction with a person not of short stature at one of the service stations comprising a non-vertically adjustable work surface at the same customer lobby assembly and at the same time the transaction is being conducted with the person of short stature; and adjusting the vertically adjustable work surface to the first vertical working position upon completion of said transaction with the person of short stature.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein directing the person of short stature to the service station having the vertically adjustable work surface includes providing one or more visual cues identifying the vertically adjustable work surface service station as accommodating persons of short stature.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein a person of short stature includes wheelchair bound individuals.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein a person of short stature includes individuals with a height of about 58 inches or less.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the vertically adjustable work surface is at a height of about 40 inches at the first vertical working position.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the vertically adjustable work surface is at a height of about 34 inches at the second vertical working position.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the vertically adjustable work surface includes activating a linear actuator.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein activating a linear actuator is performed by pressing a button located at the service station with the vertically adjustable work surface.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The customer lobby service assembly of claim 20, wherein the second service station further comprises a support frame; and one or more leg subassemblies, wherein each leg subassembly includes a receiving column, a retractable leg housed within said receiving column, and a base.
 11. The customer lobby service assembly of claim 20, wherein the actuator is a linear actuator, said linear actuator is selected from the group consisting of a mechanical actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an electro-mechanical actuator, and a telescoping linear actuator.
 12. (canceled)
 13. The customer lobby service assembly of claim 20, wherein the first height is about 40 inches.
 14. The customer lobby service assembly of claim 20, wherein the second height is about 34 inches.
 15. (canceled)
 16. (canceled)
 17. The customer lobby service assembly of claim 20, wherein said first and second service stations are bank teller service station windows.
 18. The customer lobby service assembly of claim 20, wherein said first and second service stations are hotel lobby service stations.
 19. (canceled)
 20. A customer lobby service assembly comprising a first service station comprising a non-adjustable work surface, wherein the non-adjustable work surface is fixed at a first height; a second service station comprising an adjustable work surface, wherein the first service station and second service station are joined to form at least a portion of the customer lobby service assembly; and an actuator operably associated with the adjustable work surface, wherein activation of the actuator causes vertical displacement of the adjustable work surface from the first height to a second height, wherein the customer lobby service assembly appears as a uniform plurality of service stations when the adjustable work surface is positioned at the first height.
 21. The customer lobby service assembly of claim 20 further comprising one or more additional service stations comprising a non-adjustable work surface.
 22. The customer lobby service assembly of claim 21 further comprising one or more additional service stations comprising an adjustable work surface. 